BY DARREN JOHNSTONE – Capital City Press
Gary Oliver justified his return to the Queen of the South starting line-up after scoring twice to help the Doonhamers come from behind in a 2-1 victory over Alloa.
Following four games warming the bench, Oliver staked his claim for a regular berth with a second half brace that nullified Graeme Holmes’ 33rd second opener.
“He has been chapping on my door a couple of times because he’s desperate to play, and it was good to see him score a couple of goals,” said Queens manager James Fowler.
It didn’t take long for the first goal in this contest to arrive but it would have been a strike worth waiting for as Holmes fizzed a stunning half-volley into the top corner of the net from 25 yards.
The visitors regained their composure and after dominating possession for most of the first half, Fowler’s side levelled 13 seconds after the restart when Oliver grabbed the first of his two goals.
Straight from kick-off, Queens worked the ball to Derek Lyle on the left flank. The forward’s cross was met by Paul Heffernan and when his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Andy McNeil, Oliver pounced to turn the rebound into the net.
Queens turned the match around in the 55th minute. Again Lyle provided the assist, with Oliver drilling a first time back-post effort past McNeil.
